If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Harley-Davidson has already notified owners, and dealers will rebuild the clutch master cylinder and install the proper clutch release plate, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in late October 2013. Harley-Davidson's recall number is 0153. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-800-258-2464.

History

The Harley-Davidson Recall Investigation Committee (RIC) received first notice of this issue on 9-18-13 by a phone call from the Advanced Manufacturing Group within Harley-Davidson. As a result of this notice, the RIC initiated an investigation and analysis of this issue. Part of that analysis included visiting dealers who have reported issue relating to clutch lift. Additionally, parts replaced as part of warranty claims were sent to the supplier for testing beginning on 9-18-13.

A search of existing warranty data on 9-24-13 disclosed 27 claims related to clutch functionality issues with no reported crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this issue. A search of existing costumer contact data on 9-24-13 showed 59 contacts related to clutch functionality issues, including 2 reported crashes with one involving injuries. 6 of the 59 contacts had corresponding warranty claims.

In conjunction with the RIC analysis, a team was assembled to determine the root cause by visiting dealers, analyzing returned warranty parts, and testing both current production parts and warranty returned parts.

Based on this root cause analysis, Harley-Davidson identified two potential causes: air ingestion into the hydraulic system and/or assembling the wrong clutch release plate. Another search of existing warranty data on 10-15-13 revealed 281 claims, with 1 reported crash. No injuries, and no fatalities. Another search of existing costumer contact data conducted on 10-15-13 revealed 171 contacts, of which there were 8 crashes with 3 injuries reported. 101 of these 171 contacts were identified within warranty claims.

On 10-16-13, upon review of the results of the RIC’s investigation and analysis, Harley Davidson’s executive management made it’s determination that a safety related defect exists in the subject population and declared a recall to remedy the issue.